Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015

The Paulina’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a regular top performer in the Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report (formerly known as the Christian Eedes Cabernet Sauvignon Report), the current-release 2013 rating 90 points when the relevant tasting was done earlier this year (see here).

The range, which pays homage to Paulina de Villiers, former owner of what is now Rickety Bridge and one of the first women to own and farm land in the Cape, also comprises a Chenin Blanc and a Semillon, tasting notes and ratings for what’s presently available below:

Sexbomb.

Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015
Price: R130
From a 20-year-old vineyard in Worcester. Fermented in barrel, 80% new and then matured for six months in a combination of foudre and casks. Intensely floral on the nose with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine and orange blossom plus pear, peach, honey, vanilla and spice. The palate shows concentrated fruit and fresh acidity, the oak deftly used. An exotic and decadent take on the variety.

#WinemagRating: 92/100.

Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve Semillon 2013
Price: R130
From a 24-year-old Franschhoek vineyard. Fermented and matured for 10 months in small French oak barrels. Distinctly oxidative character, the nose shows cut apple, yellow peach, spice and some waxiness. The palate meanwhile is rich, broad and smooth textured. It’s a brave wine  – I like it a lot but it won’t have universal appeal.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.